Story of the People of South Sudan

Sze Soong Teoh Start Date: Aug 13, 2018 - End Date: Oct 11, 2018
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Vacation/Personal Trip
  • Volunteer Trip
  • South Sudan

My Travel Story

by: Sze Soong Teoh Start Date: Aug 13, 2018 - End Date: Oct 11, 2018
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Vacation/Personal Trip
  • Volunteer Trip
My name is Sze Soong Teoh, a Malaysian photography enthusiast looking to tell an emotional story of the people of South Sudan through my lens.

While I was planning and working on this project, I have come to the realization that I am going to need some assistance if I am to succeed. With this campaign, I am hoping to secure the fund needed for this project, and to find someone who is well connected in South Sudan and possesses a good local knowledge. I am also seeking any parties who are willing to publish my work. 

Your assistance would have a significant impact on the success of this project. I would be very grateful if you were able to help. I can be reached via e-mail at szesoongteoh@gmail.com.

Thank you for your assistance in advance.

  • South Sudan

Updates

2

  • A Scary But Helpful Piece Of Advice

    Is this a hobby-like project or are you a bona fide journalist? Nothing stops you from going to South Sudan as a tourist, observing the situation and then writing up your story when you get home. However, you stress photography, and this may already be an obstacle as long as you want to take photos in public. South Sudanese officials can be exceptionally paranoid (and violent), particularly if any of your conduct or equipment looks "professional." Finding practical travel information is not impossible, but on the issue of journalism/research/documenting I would talk to journalists (full-time staff or freelancers) who have been there. South Sudan is not only a "newborn country", but a country at war, so there is a whole community of media professionals, aid workers, peacekeepers and so on. If you are lucky, one of them can recommend to you a local fixer. But as soon as your project is that high-profile, you also need the right paperwork, including visa type. You could try asking the UNMISS public information department specific (!) questions, but do not be disappointed if these folks are too busy to reply.

    If these scattered pieces of initial advice from me help you to form a "mental map" of all challenges and necessities, go ahead and plan your trip. If, however, this sounds daunting and you have no idea what I am talking about, maybe pick an easier country for your project. There are tons of under-reported stories in Africa, and giving ordinary people an opportunity to tell theirs is usually a worthwhile effort.

  • A Small Step Forward

    A Small Step Forward
    I am pleased to announce that I have just received the first donation of CNY 500 (~USD 70) through an off-platform channel. This is indeed one giant leap for this project!

    Your assistance would have a significant impact on the success of this project. I would be very grateful if you were able to help - be it financial support, moral support, or supports in any other forms.

    I thank you in advance for your support!